Native Plant Garden Certification

The North Carolina Native Plant Society (NCNPS) recognizes the importance of home gardens and larger public gardens as critical links in maintaining native ecosystems. Incorporating native plants into the landscape is essential for maintaining the integrity of local native plant communities and the wildlife they support. NCNPS launched the Native Plant Habitat Certification Program to recognize those removing invasive plants and incorporating native plants in their landscape to encourage diverse ecosystems.  See our map and list of Certified Habitats

People often ask: Why should I certify my garden?

Those seeking certification likely already understand the value of promoting and protecting natural ecosystems, and there are rewards to this effort, both personal and beyond. This process encourages applicants to intimately understand their property and examine their conservation practices. Many people report a deeper appreciation of the connections between plants and wildlife. In making an inventory of their plants, they recognize the time and effort they have given to promoting a native habitat.

Having a certified habitat announces to those who see it that the owner is a benefactor of native plants and animals, and it demonstrates that the gardener transcends a narrow personal interest by working to preserve a healthy native environment. A certified habitat also:

  • creates opportunities for conversation about the importance of preserving native ecosystems
  • shows support for NCNPS
  • educates about the dangers of invasive species
  • provides critical linkages for animal corridors

Keep in mind that a garden is a work in progress. We know that as a conscientious effort is made to develop a native plant habitat, the garden will never become a final statement, but rather a continuing development connecting the gardener with nature. As you are working on your habitat you will notice some new species of wildlife that are drawn in by the plants. We encourage you to observe and identify them as evidence of your successful habitat gardening efforts.

Invasive Plants

Invasive plants are non-native plants that spread aggressively and displace the native plants upon which insects and other wildlife depend for food. They create food deserts, overwhelm natural areas, and destroy trees. NCNPS cannot certify your site as a native plant habitat if you are actively cultivating any Category 1 or 2 invasive plants, as listed by the NCNPS (Invasive Plant List). Some of the more common plants on this list are: Privet, Kudzu, Asian Wisteria, Japanese Honeysuckle, Mimosa, English Ivy, Nandina, Burning Bush, and Bradford Pear. While we understand the difficulty of removing established plantings, we will ask for a long-term plan that includes eliminating Rank 1 and 2 plants from your yard. We can help you identify others during our site visit.




Helpful Resources

Here are links for more information about North Carolina’s native plants, where they grow, landscape attributes, and much more.

NC native plant identification and nativity:

Information about growing North Carolina native plants:

Information on identifying and Controlling Invasive Plants



Applying for Certification

The application is designed to provide you with guidance on plant types that support a healthy habitat. Use it to track your progress and highlight areas for improvement. We are here to help. When you join NC NPS please join your local chapter for community support. If you need assistance in completing the application, you may contact Pat Holder.

The application is available in MS Word and Fillable PDF format. Download your choice here.

  • MS Word The file will download to your computer. This MS Word file is editable, allowing you to fill out and email back.
  • PDF This file that can be printed and filled in then mailed back via USPS or scanned and emailed back. You will need to have Adobe Reader installed in your computer. Click here to install Adobe acrobat Reader.

Upon receipt of your application, a member of the NC Native Plant Society may visit your site as part of the certification process. This visit will be scheduled with you.

Gardens certified as Native Plant Habitats will be listed on the NCNPS Certified Habitats webpage and are often highlighted in the NCNPS newsletter, Native News.

Please enclose your certification program application fee of $10 (for NCNPS members) or $35 (for non-members, includes a 1-year membership) or $45 which includes a 1-year Family Membership, or $60 for Business & Organizations (which includes a 1-year membership).

Make checks payable to The NC Native Plant Society for certification fees, membership, and signs.

Mail completed application and fee to:

Pat Holder
Native Plant Habitat Certification Coordinator
PO Box 4895, Asheboro, NC 27204

You may email Pat at Pat Holder


To share your native habitat garden/yard and the benefits of native plants, we encourage you to purchase and display our metal Certified Native Plant Habitat sign. Payment for your sign will be requested once your garden has been certified.

Metal Sign ($33 plus shipping costs if it is mailed) To order, you may email Pat at Pat Holder or mail a check to Pat at the above address

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